From the Ravages of War, a New Start

After leading post-war Iraq's anti-corruption efforts, Radhi H. al-Radhi decided it was too dangerous to return home. He has found asylum here. (By Heather Farrell -- Washingtonpost.com)

His son-in-law owned a computer business in Baghdad. He then worked as a translator, a job that resulted in several direct attempts on his life. He is now working on a temporary basis for a local refugee assistance agency, but finding permanent work has been difficult.

Americans "deal with us as if we are equal to them, which is a very good thing, but at the same time it's not really a good thing because they want us to act as Americans. To get a job, I have to compete with you . . . which is absolutely different from the way we get jobs in Iraq," his son-in-law said.

Al-Radhi is taking language courses; but the 63-year-old has been unable to find work. His age and lack of English have hampered his ability to establish a career here.

"My specialty is the law," but his language skills are limited, he said. "My friend was an engineer, had a master's in architecture and works now as labor."

Al-Radhi's wife, Rafida, 59, has limited mobility because of knee problems and speaks little English.

His 21-year-old son, Hassan al-Radhi, faces the same struggle as his father and brother-in-law. His son said he has applied for many jobs but even low-paying ones are hard to come by.

"If I work at Shoppers for $6 an hour, how can I get rent?" he said. The rent on his parents' townhouse, where he lives, is $1,450, plus utilities.

Hassan al-Radhi, who had previously studied in Great Britain, speaks near-fluent English, is outgoing and good-humored. Despite the responsibilities of driving his parents around (neither has a driver's license) and worrying about rent, he said he has made many friends of all nationalities while taking classes at a community college.

Along with the major concerns of housing and employment, there are the smaller-scale cultural shifts that come with emigrating. The son-in-law, who drives a lot as part of his job helping refugees, has quickly come to dread traffic as proficiently as longtime commuters.

"I'm taking the Beltway, 66. I have to figure out what time I have to arrive to get back before rush hour," he said. "In Iraq, we scream at each other in rush hour, but I don't see that here."

The fast-food culture of life here is also an adjustment, and not for the better. Although the family enjoys dining at Iranian, Afghani and Lebanese restaurants that serve cuisine similar to Iraq's, time and commute often require fast-food stops. McDonald's and other fast-food restaurants have not won them over.

"You know, we're getting cholesterol now. We're going to take medicine for cholesterol," Hassan al-Radhi said, joking.

"Iraqis make food in the home. Such is the culture," his father said.

Asked what surprised him about the practicalities of life here, the son-in-law pointed to his first run-in with the U.S. health care system. After the long flight from Iraq, his newborn daughter became sick. It cost about $900 to take her to the hospital.

"I will never forget my first bill," he said, incredulously. "I was really shocked. Shocked with the $300, then the next one, and the total of $900. So what am I going to do?"

Despite the financial stress and adjustment to a new environment, the family said they are glad to be in Northern Virginia, away from the constant threat of violence.

"I like it, but I miss my country, I miss my friends. I miss all the things I was used to there. But I like the safety," Rama said. "I think my father made a good decision when he came here. The situation there became worse and worse."

For "about 60 years I grew up in Iraq," Radhi al-Radhi said. "My friends, my birthplace are there. Here, it is good weather, and the people are nice, and a lot of them have offered their help to us."